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What do I need to take to my advising session with my advisor?

1. advising slip (Please remember to take the yellow copy of this slip to the ECE office, after your advising session, so the advising hold can be removed!!)
2. a general idea of what courses you want to take
3. other:  as required by advisor (check advisor's door, a list of requirements will be provided)

If I have to take a course more than once is the grade substituted?

If the course is a Freshman course:  Yes, automatically!
Otherwise:  No.  Each attempt contributes to your overall GPA.  (There is a form for "Petition for Grade Substitution.")

I've heard that Freshman courses taken beyond the 90-credit-hour point don't count.  Is that true?

While they do appear on your transcript, and are used to calculate your GPA, they do not contribute to meeting the minimum credit hour requirements of your degree plan.

If you wait to take any core curriculum class, you might have to take a higher level course, or take another 3-credit-hour course.

I've heard that it's better to get an "F" than a "W."  Is that true?

NO!  While W's should not be abused, consider that a W will not affect your GPA.

Does the "W" count as one of my three attempts for any course?

Yes.  Please register for classes judiciously.  Try not to "bite off more than you can chew".

Why is GPA so important?

1. It is used as an indicator of how serious you are about your education.
2. It can be used as a "first hurdle" for scholarship awards.
3. It is often used as a "litmus test" for jobs:  i.e. some companies won't even allow you to have an interview unless you have a specific GPA.

I've heard that after 5 years, employers look to your experience more than your GPA and University record. Is that true?

While it is true that your work experience and resumé will carry more weight after ~5 years, you need to consider that unless you have a reasonable GPA, you aren't going to get a job that will allow you to obtain the 5 years experience!

I've heard that there is a limit on the number of credit hours I can transfer from EPCC.  Is that true?

Yes.  Since it is a "2-Year" institution, you can transfer up to to 66 credit hours.

Is there a limit on transfers from a 4-Year institution?

No.  Note, however, that there are restrictions

• Credit for engineering courses will only be given if they come from ABET accredited institutions.  There is a procedure for transfer of EE courses (see next question).
• At least 25% of the credit hours on the degree plan must be completed at Â鶹¹ÙÍø.
• At least 24 of the last 30 credit hours must be completed at Â鶹¹ÙÍø.

What is the process for requesting transfer of EE credits (from another 4-Year, ABET-accredited institution)?

• Have registrar evaluate transcripts.  All accepted credit will be added to your Â鶹¹ÙÍø transcript.
• Assemble materials (see next question).
• Submit materials to ECE Office & request a review by the EE Transfer Credit Committee
• Meet with the Chair of the Transfer Credit Committee to discuss the request.

What materials do I need to submit for evaluation of EE transfer credits?

1. Â鶹¹ÙÍø transcript, with transferred courses listed.
2. Your current mailing address.
3. For each course to be transferred:

• Â鶹¹ÙÍø course number equivalent to transfer course
• Description of transfer course from the transferring institution's catalog
• Copy of syllabus (from transfer course)
• Copy of text used (or title & publisher)

I've heard about "internships" and "Co-ops" What are they, and why should I be interested?

Internships and Cooperative Education are two different programs where you can work in industry while you take a break from school.

Internships are typically over the summer, and cooperative education is typically 6 months.  The time spans are variable, however. You can receive EE credit for Co-ops registered with Â鶹¹ÙÍø Career Services.  The first Co-op gets credited as EE 4181, the second as EE 4182 and the third as EE 4183.  These three courses, then, can be used as your technical elective.

Internships and Cooperative Education are training within your field.
They allow you to "sample" a company (and vice-versa).
They allow you to earn more money than a non-skilled labor job.

For more information